"We write you
today with the latest news on the incredible,
historic events that have unfolded here in
Guatemala.

"On October 11th,authorities
issued arrest warrants for former
Minister of Defense and former President Oscar
Humberto Mejía Víctores, and former military
intelligence officials José Mauricio Rodríguez
Sánchez and Luis Enrique Mendoza García. "The Public Prosecutor seeks to press charges of
genocide and crimes against humanity for
massacres that occurred between 1982 and 1983 in
the Ixil region, during which time all three
were members of Efraín Ríos Montt's military
high command. Mendoza Garcia is also a graduate
of the School of the Americas. "Rodríguez Sánchez was formally brought up on
charges October 13th and sent to a military
hospital to evaluate his health condition. His
trial is slated to open January 29th. Francisco
Palomo, defense lawyer for Ríos Montt, will
also represent Rodríguez Sánchez.

"Mejía Víctores and Mendoza Garcia have been
declared fugitives, after search
operations proved fruitless. It is suspected
both may have fled the country and the Attorney
General’s office may formally request
international arrest warrants through Interpol.

"Hearings
in the case against former Army Chief of Staff
Hector Mario López Fuentes have continually been
delayed since his June
arrest. In a hearing
scheduled to take place at the military hospital today, the defendant was
unconscious and unable to participate.

"The Association for Justice and Reconciliation
(AJR) and the Center for Human Rights Legal
Action (CALDH) are plaintiffs in each of these
genocide cases. AJR representative Julia
Cortez spoke on behalf of the survivors at each
of these proceedings, reiterating the AJR's
demand for justice.

"For the
first time in Latin American history, national
courts will hear genocide cases in-country. We are honored to
accompany the courageous survivors and
supporters as they fight for justice. Please sign our online
petition to support the AJR and
CALDH."